Students are expected to attend all sessions of each class in which they are enrolled.
The instructor will give students the written attendance policy for each course at
the first course meeting. Failure to conform to the attendance policy may result in
the student’s grade being lowered, up to and including a failing grade for the course.
Any student enrolled in a course at Nicolet College who is unable to attend the first
session of the course must contact theinstructor prior to the second session to ensure continued enrollment in the course.
Students who do not attend the first session and do not contact their instructor by
the second session, may be displaced from the course by a student on a waiting list.
Absences due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances may be excused if the instructor
of the course is completely satisfied as to the cause. Absences resulting from a student’s
participation in approved activities arranged by the College will be excused if such
activities have been scheduled by the instructor in cooperation with other involved
instructors. An excused absence does not relieve the student of responsibility for
completing all course requirements to the satisfaction of the instructor.

For students who are taking, or have taken, a total of six credits or more, the following
Academic Standards apply:

Good Standing

A student achieving a semester grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better at the end
of a semester of enrollment is in good standing.

Academic Probation

A student will be placed on Academic Probation when the current semester GPA is less
than 2.0 at the end of a semester of enrollment. Students placed on academic probation
will receive written notification acknowledging academic probationary status. Within
thirty days of written notification, the student will be required to meet with an
academic advisor, counselor, or case manager to develop an academic improvement plan.
If an academic improvement plan is not completed, an academic hold will be placed
on the student’s record. A student will be reinstated to good standing if the student
achieves a semester grade point average of 2.0 or better at the end of their probationary
semester.

Academic Suspension

A student will be suspended from Nicolet College when the current GPA is less than
2.0 for the second consecutive semester. A student placed on academic suspension will
be notified in writing, and an academic hold will be placed on the student’s records.
If the student is pre-registered for any upcoming semesters, the enrollment for the
classes will be canceled.

If a student placed on Academic Suspension wishes to re-enroll in classes at Nicolet
College, the student may request a meeting with the Vice President of Teaching, Learning,
and Student Success to review their academic status. Based on that review, the vice
president will determine the action to be taken.

Students having difficulty maintaining good academic standing are encouraged to seek
early assistance from their course instructor(s), their academic advisor, counselor,
or case manager.

Students may earn credit only for courses in which they are officially registered
for credit. The maximum number of credits for each course is shown following the course
description in Chapter 7 of the College Catalog. Courses may be offered for fewer
credits as indicated in the semester course schedule.

Credit Limits

Students may enroll in up to 18 credits during the Fall or Spring Semester and 12
credits for Summer Semester. Enrollment in more than the maximum number of credits
requires approval from the Vice President of Instruction.

Anyone enrolled for 12 or more semester credit hours is considered a full-time student.
Anyone enrolled for fewer than 12 credit hours during a semester is considered a part-time
student. Most career programs are structured with 16-18 credits per semester to complete
the degree in the one- or two-year time frame.

Grade points and grade point averages (GPA) are used for many purposes:

1.) self-assessment of progress by students

2.) advising and counseling

3.) recognition of excellence in academic work

4.) eligibility for programs sponsored by various external agencies such as colleges
and universities to which students transfer

5.) various scholarship and financial aid programs funded by government units.

The GPA is computed by multiplying the point value by the number of credits and dividing
the total points by the total number of credits, e.g.

5 Credits of “A” = 5 x 4 = 20

10 Credits of “B-” = 10 x 2.67 = 26.7

5 Credits of “D+”= 5 x 1.33 = 6.65

20 Total Credits = 53.35 Total Quality Points

divided by 20 Credits = 2.67 GPA

The GPA calculation for financial aid recipients is computed on all courses undertaken.
“I” and “W” grades received and recorded are included in the computation of a GPA
only when the GPA is utilized to determine a student’s financial aid standing. (See
the Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipient or in Chapter 2 of the College Catalog.) A student’s cumulative GPA is calculated
using all courses taken at Nicolet College regardless of the year in which the courses
were taken. Grades received at other higher education institutions are not used in
the cumulative GPA calculation for Nicolet College.

Students may repeat courses unless specific program policy prohibits it. However,
course credits will apply only once toward meeting program degree requirements. Only
the highest grade will be used for GPA calculations. Students on financial aid programs
must consult with Financial Aid personnel before repeating a course. Please note that
when transferring credits, some institutions do not ignore repeated courses and may
use those duplicate course grades in GPA calculations

Under extenuating circumstances, students may request an Incomplete grade. To receive
an Incomplete, students must have completed 50% of the coursework. It is up to the
instructor to decide if the request is feasible based on the reason for the request,
the type of class, and whether or not it is possible for the student to complete the
course work in an acceptable method and time frame. A signed Incomplete Contract between
the student and the instructor must be filed in the Welcome Center by 4 pm on the
deadline day. The deadline day for submitting an Incomplete Contract is one calendar
week prior to the end of the course. Exceptions to this deadline will only be made
due to extenuating circumstances as approved by the Registrar. An Incomplete grade
can be carried for only one semester (SummerSemester does not count as a semester.) If a grade is not issued by the completion
of the following semester, a grade of “F” will automatically be recorded on the student’s
transcript. Once given, the Incomplete grade cannot be changed to a Withdrawal grade.
The instructor will file a change of grade upon completion of work specified in the
Incomplete Contract.

An audit is a grading option where students have the privilege of attending classes,
have limited course responsibilities, and do not receive credit for the course. A
course that has been audited will appear on the student’s transcript with an “AU”
grade, but the course does not count toward a degree or certificate. Students must
meet course prerequisites, and pay full tuition and fees for courses they audit. Credit-seeking
students have priority when course space is limited. By 154 WI. Stat.§36.27 (1)(b),
students over 60 years of age may audit courses on a space-available basis without
payment of tuition but must pay all other applicable material or course fees. The
tuition exemption excludes community service courses and apprenticeship courses. Course
requirements for auditing students are set by the instructor. Students considering
auditing a course should consult with the instructor prior to registering as an audit
or on the first day of class to discuss expectations. Based on the discussion, students
will receive a set of written expectations for an auditing student within the first
week of class. Students must return a completed Request to Audit form to the Welcome
Center within the first week of class. Since learning is a shared responsibility in
a class, the following expectations are examples of possible auditor responsibilities:

1.) Contribute to the learning environment of the class by participating during class
sessions.

2.) Adhere to all rules regarding attendance. If an auditor volunteers to work on
a group project where the other group members are graded, the auditor is required
to complete group work.

A student may be asked to withdraw if the audit expectations are not being met.

1.) During the first half of the course, a student may change from credit to audit
with the consent of the instructor.

2.) In the second half of the course, a student may change from credit to audit with
the consent of the instructor and if they are passing the course at the time of the
change.

A student who has elected to change to audit may not, at a later date, change back
to credit status. A student who initially elects to audit may change to credit if:

1.) The student has completed the work to that point following the required timelines
of the course.

2.) The instructor validates that all course requirements for credit have been completed
satisfactorily at the time the student makes the request.

3.) Approval for the change is signed by student and instructor and submitted to the
Welcome Center.

When courses are no longer offered due to a curriculum change, alternative course
requirements will be identified and approved by the lead program instructor and the
Vice President of Teaching, Learning, and Student Success for substitution so that
the student will have the total credits required for graduation. Approval must be
documented and maintained in the student’s academic file by the academic advisor.

Under extenuating circumstances, a student may be allowed to replace a course required
for graduation from a program. The replacement course must be at the same aid code
level or higher and in the same curriculum category, (i.e. technical studies/ occupational
specific or general studies/occupational supportive). A student should request a course
substitution through their academic advisor. The academic advisor, in conjunction
with the appropriate program faculty, must approve the substitution. Approval must
be documented and maintained in the student’s academic file. The Vice President of
Teaching, Learning, and Student Success must approve any exception.

Students are required to take their course examinations as scheduled. Permission from
the course instructor is required in order to take an examination at a time other
than the scheduled time or to have a special examination.

Nicolet College recognizes that prior to enrolling, a student may have acquired some
of the skills, knowledge, and competencies included in programs offered by the College.
The College will make every effort to ensure students receive credit for prior learning.
Each candidate for a certificate, diploma, or degree must earn a minimum of 25% of
the required technical studies, occupational specific, or liberal arts credits from
Nicolet College. These established minimums cannot be met through advanced standing.

Advanced Standing with Credit

Advanced standing with credit may be granted when it is determined that an individual’s
expertise is equivalent to the competencies in one or more courses in a certificate,
diploma, or degree program. Recognition of advanced standing is an effort to minimize
duplication of competencies attained from previous education, life, or work experience.
To be eligible for advanced standing, a student must first be officially accepted
into a certificate, diploma, or degree program at Nicolet. The student should then
contact his/her academic advisor in the Welcome Center for directions and assistance
with the procedure. Credits earned through this process do not count toward the minimum
number of credits students must earn at Nicolet.

For all advanced standing credits awarded, with the exception of high school articulations,
registered apprenticeships, military education credits, and national examinations,
a fee of 25% of course tuition and fees is assessed for all credits earned through
advanced standing. If a student is already enrolled in a course, the advanced standing
evaluation must be completed during the first 14 calendar days of the semester, the
first 7 calendar days during the summer session, or the first 15% of the course hours
for courses shorter than a full semester. If credit is granted, the student will be
withdrawn from the course and will receive a refund of 75% of the tuition and fees
paid for the course. Students on financial aid programs should consult with financial
aid personnel before beginning the advanced standing procedure, since reducing the
number of enrolled credits may have financial aid implications.

Students who are not satisfied with the outcome of their request for credit for prior
learning should follow the Student Complaint and Grievance procedure.

Options available for Advanced Standing with Credit are as follows:

A. High School Coursework Credit will be granted for high school coursework that the
student successfully completed if this coursework meets one of the following criteria:
(a) It is covered by an articulation agreement with the high school and the student
earned a minimum 3.0 grade point on a 4.0 scale; (b) It is part of a recognized Youth
Apprenticeship program; or (c) It is otherwise comparable in scope and content to
a specific course or courses (not covered by an articulation agreement), as deemed
by program faculty. To be eligible for articulated high school credit, the student
must be enrolled at Nicolet within 27 months of high school graduation.

B. Written/Performance Examinations A student may elect to prove his/her knowledge
of course competencies if the student believes he/she has already acquired the knowledge
from coursework or prior life experiences. The criteria for the examination are determined
by the course instructor(s) and approved by the Dean of Instruction. The examination
for a specific course can be taken only once. Credits are recorded on the transcript
however, they are not calculated into the cumulative GPA.

C. National Examinations Credit may be granted for a specific course or courses with
a minimally acceptable score on an examination with nationally recognized standards.
National exams include, but are not limited to, the College Board Advanced Placement
(AP), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES, the International Baccalaureate
exams, and nationally recognized exams in specific occupational areas.

1.) CLEP: Credit will be granted for the applicable diploma or degree course for CLEP
general or subject examination scores of 50 or above. The Nicolet Assessment Center
administers CLEP examinations.

2.) AP: Credit may be granted for the applicable diploma or degree course for AP scores
of 3 or above. Official national examination scores will be evaluated by the Registrar.

D. Work Experience Credit may be granted for work experience deemed comparable to
program coursework by program faculty. A list of comparable competencies signed by
the employer is required.

E. Registered Apprenticeships A student who possesses a Wisconsin Journey-Level Certificate
from a program that included a minimum of 400 hours of paid related instruction will
be awarded 39 credits in occupational specific courses under the following conditions:

1.) The student enrolls in a Technical Studies Journey-Level Worker program

2.) The student presents appropriate documentation

F. Experiential Learning A student may be awarded credit for previous life experiences
and/or appropriate non-collegiate coursework. The student’s portfolio will assist
appropriate College personnel in determining credits to be granted. Coursework from
business and industry training, government agencies, and/or other sources will be
granted in conformity with the American Council on Education National Guide to Credit
Recommendations for Non-Collegiate Courses

All educational records/transcripts of Nicolet students are maintained and housed
by the Welcome Center. This office can provide information on courses taken, credits
completed, grades, transcripts, and degrees or certificates awarded. The office can
also assist with the following services: enrollment verification, loan deferrals,
and “Good Student” insurance discount verifications. Any change of name, address,
or other personal information must be reported to the Welcome Center.

Students who would like copies of their official transcript to be sent to another
institution, agency or individual must submit an electronic request through Docufide
(www.docufide.com). A student who wishes official copies of transcripts or test scores
which have been sent to Nicolet from other institutions must request this information
from those other institutions. Only unofficial copies of records from other institutions
can be obtained at the Welcome Center.

Students earning a certificate, diploma, or degree must complete the approved program
requirements. For specific details of these individual program requirements, see Chapter
6. Additionally, each candidate for a certificate, diploma, or degree must meet the
following criteria:

1.) Possess a minimum GPA of 2.00 (“C”) on all credits to be applied toward satisfying
degree or diploma requirements. Individual programs may require a “C” or better in
each course.

2.) Earn at Nicolet College a minimum of 25% of the required technical studies, occupational
specific, or liberal arts credits. These established minimums cannot be met through
advanced standing.

3.) Complete a program of courses approved by the instructional administration.

4.) Be in academic good standing at the time that final credits are earned.

The Vice President of Teaching, Learning, and Student Success publishes the Dean’s
List each fall and spring semester. The list includes the names of all program students
with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the semester just concluded. “I” and
“W” grades are not considered in the computation.

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Nicolet’s
Chapter, Alpha Nu Iota, focuses its efforts on service and scholarship. Members are
asked to join by the President of the College after being nominated by an instructor.
The nominee must be a full-time student with at least 12 credit hours of coursework
completed and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. Initiates are responsible
for the membership fee and are entitled to a membership certificate, transcript stamp,
a Phi Theta Kappa pin, placement on national transfer and employment databases, and
a two-year subscription to all Phi Theta Kappa publications. Members must maintain
a GPA of 3.50 or higher to remain a member.

Nicolet College holds a graduation ceremony at the end of the Spring Semester. Participation
in the graduation ceremony is optional to all graduating students. Students wishing
to participate in the graduation ceremony will need to meet the established deadlines
for declaring their intention to participate in the ceremony and ordering the required
cap and gown. Additional information is available from the Student Engagement Office.

The distinction of Academic Honors will be awarded to the graduates who qualify upon
completion of their program at Nicolet College. Academic Honors will be determined
from the student’s last fully graded semester and recognized as follows: Gold Cord
Scholars are those graduates of two-year associate degree or two-year diploma programs
who achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or greater. Silver Cord Scholars
are graduates of one-year diploma programs who achieved a cumulative grade point average
of 3.75 or greater. This distinction will be awarded as follows: cords will be presented
at the Graduation Ceremony and will be noted in the graduation program.

The College will adhere to all federal, state, tribal, and local laws concerning the
use of alcohol and other drugs and will support efforts to address violations of these
laws.

The College recognizes that the use of alcohol and other drugs may impair performance
or safety, may interfere with proper functioning or behavior, and in certain instances
leads to dependency. The College also recognizes that such chemical dependency is
a serious illness. An employee or student needing help with dependency is encouraged
to seek the appropriate medical and other community resources.

Possession, manufacturing, sale, distribution, unauthorized use, or being under the
influence of controlled substances, illicit drugs, or alcohol by anyone while on College-controlled
property, at any College-sponsored or -related activity, or while operating a College-owned/leased
vehicle is strictly prohibited. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary
action. For more information, refer to Policy AP 4.05 Alcohol and Drug Use.

On occasion, there may be a group that requests to use the campus for an event which
includes the sacred use of tobacco. A request form must be completed in advance and
submitted to the President. The President or designated individual will determine
the legitimacy and approve or deny the request.

Tobacco Cessation Assistance and Resources

Staff and students are encouraged to choose a healthful, non-tobacco use/non-smoking
way of life. Emphasis will be placed on educating and referring faculty, staff, and
students to available resources/services that provide tobacco cessation assistance.

Enforcement of Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

The primary responsibility for enforcement rests with Administrators and Campus Security.
Employees, students, or visitors found using any form of tobacco on campus may be
subject to a fine.

Nicolet College remains open during inclement weather as longas it is reasonably possible
to conduct work. However, safety in travel is paramount. The College recognizes individuals
are thebest judge of their own safety when deciding whether or not to travel during
inclement weather. In the event of weather or other events which would seriously impede
the functioning of the College, the President or designee will determine whether the
College will close, and will inform the College community of the closing. Notification
of Closure Once the decision to close the College is made, the Director of Facilities
or designee will make the following notifications (by 5:45 am if prior to the start
of the business day):

RADIO:

WRLO 105.3 FM Antigo

WRJO 1450 AM Eagle River

WHRY/WUPM 107 FM Iron River

WMQA 95.9 FM Minocqua

WHDG 97.3 FM Rhinelander

WOBT 1240 AM Rhinelander

WRHN 100.1 FM Rhinelander

WXPR 91.7 FM Rhinelander

WCYE (Coyote 93) 93.7 FM Rhinelander

WJJQ 92.5 FM Tomahawk

WIFC 95.5 FM Wausau

TELEVISION

WJFW NBC Rhinelander

WSAU CBS Wausau

WAOW ABC Wausau

WXFS FOX Wausau

OTHER NOTIFICATIONS

- All staff, all student, and all adjunct email- Main telephone information numbers with voicemail message (alternate greeting)

- Home page of nicoletcollege.edu

- Blackboard system

NOTE: All faculty, including continuing education, shall indicate in theircourse syllabi, or through other means, the procedure for communicatingclass cancellations or College closure.

Students may withdraw from Nicolet College at any time, however, students must follow
the formal withdrawal procedures of the College in order to retain academic standing
and learn the status of future financial aid assistance. Leaving the College during
the semester without formal withdrawal may result in failing grades and could jeopardize
future attendance at this or other higher education institutions. Please contact the
Welcome Center if you plan to withdraw. Any student intending to leave Nicolet College
before completing his/her goals is encouraged to explore the decision with the assistance
of an instructor, advisor, counselor, or other College personnel. A thorough discussion
of College resources and alternative options may alter the need to withdraw.